Planning to upgrade your outdoor space with a new patio or walkway? Before you pick up a shovel, it’s worth taking the time to choose the right surface. Whether you’re building a spot to entertain or simply creating a cleaner path from point A to B, the materials you use will affect not just how it looks—but how it performs for years to come.

If you’re searching for quality, durability, and style, the best place to start is with trusted paving supplies. The right pavers or materials make a massive difference in how smoothly your project runs and how good it looks when you’re done.

Concrete Pavers: Customisable, Durable, and DIY-Friendly

Concrete pavers are individual blocks made to interlock or be laid in custom arrangements. They’ve become the go-to solution for many homeowners because of their balance between performance and visual appeal. They’re also ideal for DIY projects. You don’t need heavy-duty equipment or specialist skills—just a solid plan, a level base, and a bit of elbow grease.

Pavers are great for homeowners who want more control over the final outcome. If one unit doesn’t sit right, it’s a quick fix—not a major setback. That flexibility means mistakes don’t become permanent.

Style-wise, you’ve got options. Pavers come in different colours, shapes, and surface finishes, so you can match your design to the rest of your garden or home exterior. And whether you’re going for a contemporary feel or a more natural look, there’s a paver to suit.

They also hold up incredibly well. Thanks to the space between each unit, pavers naturally accommodate shifts in the ground, changes in moisture, and heavy foot traffic—all without cracking. And if one paver does become damaged, it’s as simple as lifting it and swapping in a new one.

Concrete Slabs: Fast, Functional, but Less Flexible

Concrete slabs are poured in one continuous form. That makes them fast to install and relatively affordable, especially for larger areas. They’re often used for driveways, utility paths, and under sheds—areas where form follows function.

The downside? Concrete cracks. Even with control joints designed to absorb expansion, cracking is hard to avoid over time. That’s especially true in areas with shifting soil or extreme weather conditions. Fixing a slab is no small job—patches often stand out, and large cracks can require cutting and repouring.

Slabs also limit your design choices. Unless you pay extra for coloured or stamped concrete, the end result can look plain and industrial—fine for a garage or utility area, but not always what you want in an outdoor entertaining space.

Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs Long-Term Thinking

At first glance, a slab might look cheaper. Standard grey concrete in Australia ranges from AUD $60 to $100 per square metre, while decorative finishes push that higher. Factor in contractor labour and the price rises quickly.

Concrete pavers usually start at around AUD $40 per square metre for materials, depending on the style and size. While the cost per metre might seem similar, the savings come when you do it yourself. You don’t need to rent expensive machinery, and you can build in stages at your own pace.

In the long run, pavers tend to hold their value better. They’re easier to maintain, simpler to repair, and more likely to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Site Conditions and Drainage: Pavers Take the Lead

Pavers are particularly well-suited to Australia’s diverse soils and climates. Because each paver is separated by a joint, the surface can move and shift naturally with the ground. That flexibility means less cracking and fewer problems over time.

They also drain better. Water flows between the joints and into the base material, reducing the risk of pooling or runoff. Concrete slabs, by comparison, need to be sloped perfectly to avoid puddling. If that slope’s off even slightly, you’ll notice it the next time it rains.

On uneven ground or sloped blocks, pavers offer more flexibility too. You can contour them to follow the shape of your land, while a slab requires more intensive formwork and site preparation.

DIY Installation: Time vs Control

Slabs win when speed is all that matters. Once you prep the base and pour, you’re mostly just waiting for it to cure. But if anything goes wrong—uneven levelling, a misjudged slope—you’re stuck with the result unless you want to cut and start again.

Pavers take longer to install, but give you complete control. You can stop and start over weekends. You can fix a dip or misalignment without tearing up the whole surface. It’s a slower process, but a more forgiving one—especially if you’re working solo or trying it for the first time.

Pavers also allow you to grow the project over time. You can lay a small patio this season, then connect a path next year using the same materials. With a slab, once it’s poured, it’s permanent.

Maintenance and Longevity

Concrete slabs are easy to clean and relatively low-maintenance for the first few years. But when damage shows up, repairs can be frustrating and costly. A small crack can become a big one. And patching often looks worse than the problem you’re trying to fix.

Pavers need joint sand upkeep and the occasional weed treatment, but they’re much easier to manage in the long term. If a paver breaks or stains, it’s a quick swap. Pressure washing restores their look, and sealing protects colour and finish for even longer durability.

With proper care, a well-installed paver surface can last 20 years or more and still look great.

Regulations and Planning Considerations

Depending on your local council, pouring a concrete slab might require approval—especially for large areas or projects near property lines. Drainage, runoff, and building codes all come into play, and ignoring them can lead to fines or mandatory changes.

Paver installations at ground level typically don’t need permits. That’s part of what makes them so appealing for weekend projects. They’re considered landscaping, not building, so you can usually proceed without jumping through paperwork hoops. That said, always check with your local council before starting.

Visual Appeal and Property Value

Pavers create a sense of care and detail that’s hard to fake. When someone steps into your backyard and sees a beautifully laid patio or pathway, it communicates effort and pride. It turns an ordinary space into something people remember.

Slabs can look neat and tidy when new, but without extra finishing, they don’t create the same impact. If you’re renovating with an eye toward resale, choosing quality paving supplies will show buyers the space was done right—not just rushed.

Final Verdict: What’s Best for You?

Concrete slabs are fast and effective for certain areas, but they don’t always age well, and repairs can be a hassle. They serve a purpose, but they’re rarely the feature of a home.

Pavers, by contrast, offer flexibility, style, and long-term performance. They’re DIY-friendly, adaptable to different site conditions, and a smart investment in your outdoor space. For homeowners who want control, durability, and visual appeal, pavers are the clear winner.

Get Started with the Right Paving Supplies

No matter what you’re building, the outcome depends on what you start with. Sourcing high-quality paving supplies ensures your project stands up to time, weather, and weekend foot traffic.

Explore your options, choose your materials wisely, and start building a space you’ll enjoy for years – one paver at a time.